A/N: The second section of this chapter is a little back story that will hopefully provide some information between Exodus and Leviathan. I thought it was a good place to put it in. Thank you for reading and if you feel so inclined, your comments are always welcomed!

Chapter 3: Homecoming

There was resistance to their call and Leviathan did not accept defiance. The minds of the creatures had been unreachable to their influence. They were a race made for violence and conquering their enemies, much like Leviathan. Prolific and feared by others, this challenger was known to all as krogan.

Krogan… a threat to be eliminated…

It was time to gather supplies and organize. The shipment of eezo would be crucial and more would be needed. To escape the confines of their current home, Leviathan would need to acquire resources of all types. The discarded bodies of the Reapers could be made into metal skins that would allow them to rise into space. An exoskeleton of fear and a reminder to all that they were the master and true power in the galaxy.

More minerals… more thralls… more power…

Earth, the champion had come from that planet. Humans had been weak and easy to control, all but one. They would focus on that planet and its people. There they would find abundant resources to be taken. Reaching out to hidden orbs on the blue planet, they searched for minds to touch and take control of.

A large group… multiple species… two familiar minds...

The first mind that was touched had been a puppet briefly, but the second was powerful and so much like the anomaly. Through the puppet's eyes, they watched the proceedings that were taking place. It was a grand affair to celebrate a hero, Shepard. She was alive and she had endured too. Like them, she was strong and a leader. To possess her would be a challenge, but it was also a necessity.

Her voice would be theirs… Shepard…


After the Reaper War, there had been so much destruction and loss throughout the galaxy. Almost every species had been touched by the devastating hands of the Reapers. The Council had almost been completely destroyed when the Citadel had been taken over by Cerberus and their indoctrinated forces. The lone survivor was the asari councilor, Thea Tevos. She had been on Omega, overseeing refugees being brought to the station with the hopes of offering them a home and safety.

In truth, the Pirate Queen of Omega, Aria T'Loak had seen firsthand the evil and careless disregard for non-human life that Cerberus had manifested on Omega and was now targeting at the Citadel. Aria had warned the Councilor of the dangers, offered Omega as a refuge and pleaded with her lover to join her on Omega. Thea could not say no and had found safety in the arms of her lover and also a chance to help bring order to a galaxy that was desperate for it after Shepard had destroyed the Reapers and severely damaged the mass effect relays. Without any other options, Thea turned to Aria and her forces to attempt to restore some form of government to the galaxy until a new council could form and some sort of normalcy could be re-established.

Almost overnight, Omega became the hub of government and aid to the galaxy. Aria stood by Thea and used her influence and sudden popularity to ensure that resources were dispersed and some form of order maintained. Their once controversial relationship was now the reason that a sense of regularity was able to return throughout. Together, they supported each other, one with political connections and diplomacy, and the other through sheer will, character and loyalty.

The united fleets of all the races had gone to Earth for one final stand while the Crucible was used against the Reapers. It made sense to start with Earth, get the relays and Citadel repaired and re-establish a government. Resources were made available to the multiple species, as the travel between systems slowly became possible again.

Five years had passed since the end of the war. A new council had been selected and many of the larger cities throughout the galaxy were also being renovated. To celebrate the defeat of the Reapers and remember the sacrifice of the galaxy as a whole, a large memorial now stood where the oldest and most powerful of the Reapers had fallen, Harbinger.


The shuttle ride from the space station to London was fairly quiet. Aria and Tevos were talking in a corner, Aethyta was on the comms with the matriarchs on Thessia and Shepard was holding Liara while looking at the display of Earth. They had been fairly successful at rebuilding the metropolises over the past five years and the Shepard Memorial Center was huge and could be seen from a great distance.

Shepard would be very happy to have this event over with. The idea of being the 'Savior of the Galaxy' was one that did not sit well with her. I wish I never had to make that decision… I am no hero and I have caused a lot of pain, damn it. She looked at Liara and placed her hand on Liara's belly. God I love her, I never want to hurt her like that again. If only the nightmares would stop… the pain and isolation were unbearable, and reliving it through dreams is almost as bad as when I first lived it. Those damn upgrades saved my life… if not for Cerberus; I would not be here today.

Since the pregnancy made Liara more receptive to Shepard's moods and emotions, she could feel her wife's emotions through her touch. Today, guilt was the primary feeling that Shepard was emitting. Liara was taken back to her own feelings of overwhelming pain and grief that she had after the Reaper's were destroyed and she had been separated from Shepard. They all told me to move on… that she had sacrificed herself for the good of the galaxy… I knew that she would come back to me, she had promised me that.

Not wanting to continue with her current thoughts, Liara reached out with her mind to Shepard and initiated a meld. She was immediately hit with Shepard's mixed emotions of love for her and their child and the fact that she had lived while so many others had not. You did your best, love… You made the hard choice and you saved us all. Liara sent her reassurance and love and Shepard let it in and met it with her own. The meld lasted until they reached the landing pad; they both had needed the support of the other.

As they disembarked the shuttle, Shepard looked around for signs of her former crew. She and Liara were directed to the main stage, but before she was seated, she saw familiar faces in the crowd. Commander Ashley Williams, Garrus Vakarian, Tali'Zorah, James Vega and his wife Ann Bryson-Vega, Urdnot Wrex and even Jack were present. She caught Garrus's eye and gave him a nod, which was immediately returned. Okay, let's get this over with so I can go talk with my crew.


Admiral Steven Hackett stood proudly before the assembled crowd. He looked aged and that the war had finally taken its toll on him through the years. The scar on his face now augmented with wrinkles, but his eyes were still sharp and hard. His presence still commanding, as he addressed the crowd, "Welcome all. Today, it is my honor to present this memorial to the people of the galaxy. We have all suffered in the face of the Reapers, but we have also come together to work towards a common goal. At first that goal was survival, now that goal is endurance. Much was sacrificed in the wake of the Reapers, but now we face a prosperous future… together."

The crowd responded in applause.

Allowing the crowd to settle, Hackett continued, "Behind me is the Shepard Memorial Center, named for Commander Shepard of the Normandy. It was through the amazing courage and sacrifice of the Commander that we all are here. She almost single-handedly united a galaxy that seemed doomed to be caught up in petty grievances and brought us all together to face an even greater threat…"

Sitting prominently on the stage with Liara at her side, Shepard tried not to flinch at Hackett's words. I did not do any of this single-handedly… I had so much help from my crew and Liara. I could not have done any of it without them. She felt her wife's hand gently squeeze her leg and was happy for the momentary distraction.

"… the extinction of all sentient life by the Reapers. Commander Shepard was able to penetrate the Reaper's forces and with Admiral David Anderson, board the Citadel, thwart the plans Cerberus and ignite the Crucible, thus bringing an end to the Reapers sinister plans. We will never forget the sacrifice of those that were mercilessly taken by the Reapers and their agents and we will never forget the courage of Admiral Anderson or Commander Shepard when they faced the enemy head on…"

God this is depressing to think about. It was the worst decision that I ever had to make and so many are gone as a result of my 'heroic decision'. I don't feel like a hero, I feel lucky to be sitting here with Liara next to me and my crew before me. The sacrifice, I should not even be alive.

"… This memorial is dedicated to everyone and contains all of the information that was amassed on the Reapers, including the plans for the Crucible. There is also a memorial wall that lists the names of those that were killed during the war, a garden to celebrate the ability to endure, a medical facility to treat those still suffering, and a laboratory ensure that we can study and learn from the technology once used by the Reapers… It is with great pleasure that I turn this over to Commander Shepard, to officially open the Shepard Memorial Center."

There were more applause and all eyes shifted to Commander Shepard.

Taking a deep breath and heading towards the podium, Shepard looked over at the newly appointed council and focused on her friends there, Thea Tevos of Thessia and Urdnot Bakara of Tuchanka. She slowly exhaled and then spoke into the microphone. "Thank you Admiral Hackett. It is an honor to be here with you all today for the opening of the Shepard Memorial Center. I am humbled to have such a facility named after me."

Shepard paused briefly, focused on her breathing, and looked out at her crewmates from the Normandy, "I also wanted to acknowledge all of the help and support that was given to me through the course of the war. I did not do this alone and I would not have been successful without the resources of the krogan, turian, quarain, salarian, rachni, asari, human and geth fleets and people. We were a galaxy united by a common goal and today we still stand together. We have all suffered from the war, but we are rebuilding and starting a new future together. It is my sincerest hope that this Memorial Center will continue to help with the healing that we all so need and deserve. Thank you all for sharing in this remembrance. I would like to honor all those that could not be with us today with a moment of silence…" Shepard closed her eyes and bowed her head slightly.

The hum of the crowd ceased and complete silence could be heard throughout those gathered. Shepard's thoughts went immediately to her friends that she had lost… Anderson, EDI, Legion, Mordin, Kaidan… You are with me and you will not be forgotten.

Opening her eyes and seeing that the crowd were equally entranced by those memories of lost friends and loved ones, Shepard cleared her throat and continued, "Thank you… Please take your time and make good use of the Center."

The crowd erupted into applause as Shepard headed to the bulky ribbon in front of the entrance to the memorial. She lifted the large, ceremonial scissors and cut the ribbon in half, thus opening the center to everyone. Standing aside the falling ribbon, Shepard allowed the crowd to start entering the structure.

"Gee Shepard, when are you going to walk on water?" Garrus chided his friend as he made his way through the crowd to greet her.

Smiling at the sight of the turian, Shepard was feeling her nerves subside. She eagerly shook her friend's hand, while answering his sarcastic question, "Never, you know that I'm no saint. It's good to see you old friend."

Shepard looked over to see Liara speaking with Aethyta and Tevos, gave her a smile and nodded that she was going to talk with Garrus while exploring the new memorial.

Pointing to a large reproduction of Harbinger's remains spread out across London, Garrus was happy to acknowledge the result of their actions, "That's a good sight and one that I don't get tired of seeing."

"Hmm, it doesn't seem that long ago, does it? I'm glad that neither of us made it to that bar yet," Shepard said while taking in the scene.

"You were pretty damn close there Shepard… Liara would've never forgiven you," Garrus said only half-joking.

The two of them made their way through the memorial while various people came up to Shepard to shake her hand or offer their thanks. They finally arrived out into the courtyard where the giant statue of Shepard stood center in a lovely, full blooming garden.

Turning to see Liara approaching, Garrus swatted Shepard on the shoulder, "So the rumors that Tali have told me are true, you knocked her up? Finally having those little blue babies?"

"Absolutely, Garrus… Didn't you always want to be an uncle? Maybe give you and Tali some ideas…" Shepard couldn't resist the opportunity to harass her friend.

Garrus grumbled and flicked his mandibles, "Don't even go there Shepard and please don't give her any ideas either. We're having a hard enough time trying to figure out where to live, much less how to reproduce."

Liara eagerly approached the pair and took Shepard's arm, "Hello Garrus, it's good to see you again."

Always ready with sarcasm, Garrus replied, "Congratulations Liara, you are looking very happy. Being married to the Savior of the Galaxy must agree with you."

Making a face in reply, Liara kissed Shepard on the cheek, "It's not too bad Garrus… and where is Tali, by the way?"

As if on cue, Tali'Zorah approached the group. When she saw Liara, Tali excitedly took hold of her and embraced her friend in a full on hug, "I heard you were expecting! Congratulations! I am finally going to be an aunt!"

The hug caught Liara off guard, but she happily accepted it from her friend. "Thank you, Tali… four more months until she arrives. She is very active already and she will love her aunt Tali!"

Tali released Liara and smiling, took her place next to Garrus. "Keelah Shepard, a baby on the way and that…" Tali pointed to the giant statue in front of them, "… what a statue! It's huge and looks just like you."

Flushing slightly, Shepard shook her head. "It reminds me of the statue of Saren that Kasumi had me give to Donovan Hock."

Mandibles still flicking in what Shepard recognized as a smile, Garrus continued his chiding, "Nah, this one's even bigger! Hey, is it stuffed full of weapons, because that would make it much more fun… and more like you."

Laughing at the thought of the statue packed full of weapons, Shepard shook her head in mock disgust, "Thanks a lot Garrus, nice to know I've always got you on my side."

A deep, barreling laugh could be heard cutting through the crowd as Wrex appeared before them, "Ha, ha, ha… Shepard! My friend! It's been too long… Liara, the news is true… there's going to be a little one keeping you both busy."

Attempting to avoid the bone crushing hug from the krogan, Shepard smiled broadly and grabbed hold of her friend's hand, "It's good to see you Wrex. You've been quite busy since the last time we were together. How many kids do you and Bakara have now?"

Wrex stopped for a moment, titled his head and looked in the distance as if to mentally count up the total, "We've got nine now, but since Bakara accepted the position as the krogan councilor, we've put it on hold."

"Damn, there are nine of your kids running around! No wonder you've petitioned for more territory," Commander Ashley Williams said as she approached her former crewmates. She saluted when she saw Shepard and was pleased when Shepard returned the gesture.

"Congratulations on the promotion, Commander Williams," Shepard returned. "Ash, it's good to see you. We saw the Normandy when we transferred from the Destiny Ascension to the transport and it was a sight for sore eyes." Shepard reached out a hand and Ash shook it gingerly. "Ash, I'd like to meet up with you after all this big to-do is done. I've got something that I want to talk with you about away from all of this."

Beaming slightly, Ashley was excited to see her former Commander again, "Absolutely Commander, it would be good to catch up and show off the upgrades that we've done to the Normandy."

"Fuck Shepard… could that thing be any bigger you think? That is one ugly-looking statue… it should be one of you squashing a Reaper with your boot or something more fucking violent." Jack said while sauntering toward them.

Since she was surrounded by her friends, Shepard was feeling better about the ceremony. She finally felt that she could let her guard down and just be herself. When she did though, she suddenly felt something, a brief intrusion, almost a cold feeling wash through her. Stop!… Get out!… It passed by quickly, but for a moment it caused her to experience panic as though something uninvited touched her mind.

Liara noticed the change immediately and whispered softly to her wife, "Are you okay? What happened?"

Shepard looked at Liara and the concern on her face. The feeling was gone and she did not want to worry her, "I'm alright, Liara. Just got one of my headaches, but it went away as quickly as it came on."

Not wanting to push her, Liara stopped her questions and decided to take up the issue later when they were alone. She was thankful to feel Shepard reach her arm around her waist and draw her closer. "Okay, but we are going to talk later."

Watching from a distance, Dr. Ann Bryson-Vega found herself with a horrible headache and a slightly bloody nose. She did not remember the speech by Admiral Hackett or entering the memorial, she only remembered the feelings of cold and darkness and something else in her mind. She felt sick to her stomach and could not put a finger on what she had experienced. Cold… I'm so cold…

"Honey, are you feeling okay?" James Vega grabbed hold of his wife and tried to steady her. He noticed that she looked very pale and was shaking slightly. "Is it the baby? Are you having more problems with morning sickness?"

"James, I will be ok… I just need some air. It will pass, you know it always does." Ann tried to console both herself and her worried husband with her words. Although she was five months pregnant, she had not had morning sickness for the past two months. This felt different, but she did not want to think about anything other than the possibility that it was hormones and the baby. She reached for James's arm and took a few deep breaths to clear her thoughts. I am okay… I am in control… It's just the pregnancy…